We need to be able to test the spirits. This takes discernment and knowledge of God’s word. To know a counterfeit, you have to know what is authentic. These spirits are deceptive and want to throw us off through confusion and doubt.
1 John 4:1
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
False Prophets
People clamor to be the voice of God. They want people to look to them for what God is doing. You have a parade of people who are trying to be noticed. They concoct lavish outfits and scenarios to get our attention. They trumpet every little thing as a mighty move of God. All of this in the name of being a prophet.
Be a Berean
As a believer, there are two ways to test if a prophet is real. First, you always line up what they say with the word of God. Be a Berean and search the scriptures. Don’t just believe everything they say. If their words don’t match up with God’s word avoid them. Second, look at their fruit. Has what they said come true? Many false prophets will make bold claims knowing that people want to hear it and that they will never check to see if it came true.
Be Spirit Led
John tells us to be skeptical. Test those spirits against the true Spirit, the Holy Spirit. If you are cultivating a life of walking in the Word of God pray that you will be able to spot the false prophet. Just like a money teller can tell a counterfeit bill by touching the real thing over and over, so can a believer spot a false prophet by filling themselves with scripture and prayer. Don’t be misled. Be alert. There are a lot of false prophets out there trying to scam you.